industry thoughts from Clarteza

When working on different innovation projects, we are constantly seeking insights into human behavior—particularly the motivations behind it. Understanding what drives people is key to unlocking meaningful innovation. Through AI, specifically Natural Language Processing (NLP), we can dig deeper into the stories and emotions that shape behavior, revealing powerful human truths often hidden beneath the surface.We’ve been using AI tools for years to uncover insights for innovation, particularly when it comes to analyzing open text. In fact, we’ve developed a process to help us capture elusive insights. We insist on this approach because it helps us uncover answers … Continue Reading

One of the most persistent myths we encounter is the belief that creativity that fuels innovation, is an innate gift, a magical spark reserved for the select few. At Clarteza, we vehemently debunk this myth. Creativity is not a divine bestowment; it’s a skill, and often, a collaborative one.Breaking the Myth:The outdated notion of the lone genius stumbling upon inspiration is dismantled within our creative process. We recognize that creativity thrives in a supportive environment where judgment is left at the door. Here, every idea, no matter how seemingly absurd, is valued as a potential seed for … Continue Reading

“The hallmark of an open mind is separating your ideas from your identity.If you define yourself by your opinions, questioning them is a threat to your integrity. If you see yourself as a curious person or a lifelong learner, changing your mind is a moment of growth” – Adam GrantHaving an open mind is essential for innovation. This openness, coupled with a positive outlook, enhances your ability to perceive and observe a broader range of ideas and phenomena. It involves welcoming contrasting viewpoints and nurturing a curiosity that is strong enough to potentially change your perspective.The Broaden-and-Build theory … Continue Reading

As we grow up, our creative expression tends to diminish and I believe it’s time to reverse the course and make the point to include it permanently in our lives again!

Creative expression is important for problem-solving, inspiration, new perspectives, new ideas, and, yes, even happiness. Doing something that we love, can also put us in the ever-so-elusive state of “flow”!

The issue is that our creative effort is a window that bares our soul, and it might feel risky … Continue Reading

It has been March of 2020 when our reality was upended. My family’s life – like so many other families – has changed as a result. What has surprised me in this transition, though, are the many things and activities – some of which I have never done before – that have filled my life since then. Some of these newfound pursuits are likely to stick for quite some time. This is a power of change.

For starters, I have entered the world of online … Continue Reading

“The voyage of discovery is not in seeing new landscapes but in having new eyes” – Marcel Proust.

This quote has been my guiding beacon in life and at work. The ability to see what you have or what you experienced from a different angle, can change its meaning.

In other words, the way you look at things, changes “the things” you look at. 

To acquire a new way of thinking requires learning fueled by an open … Continue Reading

Our reality has changed in March of 2020. We live in a new world. As a result, we will need a new way of thinking to navigate our lives, create new solutions, reframe our work or redefine entire business models. We will also likely need to redesign our lives. The trick is, we don’t know whether this is for a “while” or forever.

In a series of articles and posts, I will be sharing with you my passion for creativity and learning. … Continue Reading

For most of my life I’ve been told to choose between the two things that I love: My passion for business or my creative musical expression. I studied music and business.

In fact, as a child and through my early twenties I felt as if I was always a part of two different worlds: “the real” business world and the creative “unreal” music, art world. Deep down I knew, that I embody both but it’s hard to be honest and talk about both, for fear of being perceived as not fully committed to … Continue Reading

When we get inspired, we create. When we are relaxed, we are more creative. Here are some of my time-tested activities that have worked for me:

• Expand your interests. Go to a library or a store and pick up a book or publication from an industry or genre that you would not normally explore. Even though random reading material may not seem relevant at first, I promise you if you give it a chance you’ll learn something you’ll be able to apply to your … Continue Reading
  

What do a phone, a car service, and a vacuum cleaner have in common? The best innovators in these categories applied design thinking principles to create success stories.

Apple, Uber and Dyson are not alone; numerous companies have applied design thinking principles and processes to new product or service innovation – some with considerable success, others… not so much. At Clarteza we’ve been involved in a number of design-led innovation projects in the consumer packaged goods industry and have observed several key success elements that can be borrowed from design … Continue Reading